The Easiest Way to Grow New Succulents
Cacti and other succulents have been popular houseplants for many years, and given how easy they are to care for, this is no surprise. Back side? They can also be expensive.
But the good news is that if you have even one succulent, there is an easy way to propagate new plants so you can grow your collection without going broke. Here’s what you need to know.
How to callus succulents
The key to successfully propagating cacti and other succulents is to provide them with callus, which basically allows the ends of the cutting to dry out and harden. Here’s what to do:
Cut (or assemble) it
Take a cutting from the mother plant, making sure you get the entire leaf with the petiole attached at the end of the leaf. A piece that falls or breaks off the plant by itself also works.
trim it
Use a sharp knife to cut off any rotten or dead cuttings.
Dry it
Place the cutting on a paper towel in a warm, dry place with bright light but no direct sunlight . Leave it there for about a week, turning it about once a day to make sure no roots develop along the side edges.
plant it
As soon as the cut end of the cutting hardens, it’s time to plant it. Place rocks or volcanic rock in the bottom of the pot, then fill it with dry organic cactus potting mix. Plant a cutting, but do not water until the roots begin to grow. It usually takes at least a week, if not several weeks, for root development. About a week after planting the cutting, carefully lift it out of the soil to check for roots.
Keep it up
After the roots sprout, water it a little , but only to the extent that the soil is damp, not wet. Moving forward, let the soil dry out before watering it again.